Switching to renewable energy sources not only contributes directly to SDG 7 (Affordable and clean energy) and SDG 13 (Climate action), but can also support achieving multiple other SDGs, including SDG 3 (Good health and well-being), SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and several others. Recent initiatives and partnerships highlights these co-benefits and aim to use synergies between SDGs to drive accelerated implementation. One of them is the new energy label launched by Gold Standard, developed together with sustainability solutions provider South Pole Group.

While purchasing electricity from renewable sources is a good thing in general, the impact of such purchases on the environment and regarding the SDGs varies with the source of renewable energy used. If electricity is purchased from old power plants, for example, the purchase may have little impact on the expansion of new renewable generation capacity and thus provide less incentive to accelerate the global energy transition than other sources. Furthermore, some sources of renewable energy may provide additional benefits in terms of energy access, employment or health.

To render these impacts transparent for consumers, Gold Standard, the standard certification body established by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), has introduced a Renewable Energy Label. The Label certifies that: electricity purchased comes from facilities adhering to a strict age limit; financing generated through purchases serves to maintain or expand renewable facilities; and projects certified contribute to at least three SDGs, including, for example, SDG 13 (Climate action), SDG 7 (Affordable and clean energy), or SDG 8 (Decent and work and economic growth).

The Label was developed by Gold Standard with the support of South Pole Group and the Overlook International Foundation as part of 'Gold Standard for the Global Goals,' which quantifies and certifies the impact of climate and development projects on the SDGs. [Gold Standard Press Release] [South Pole Group Press Release]